Fracking is a widely used technology in the USA in the field of geology and mining. George P. Mitchell invented it, and he successfully applied this technology in shale. Due to this reason, he is known as the father of fracking. Today it is widely used by US companies, but recently questions have arisen regarding its environmental effect. The pros and cons of Hydrofracking are disclosed in the article.
Fracking/Hydrofracking:
Fracking is a process of breaking rock artificially, which enables companies to extract oil and gas more quickly and cost-efficiently. It is also called hydraulic fracturing or Hydrofracking as a vast amount of water is used in this process. Generally, it is a process of drilling a well to get through the rock horizontally. After that, a mixture of water and a substance called “proppant” (usually sand) is pumped into the well. Sometimes additional chemicals are added to increase the density of the liquid, for example, guar gum.
By the pressure of the fluid, the rock is fractured. And it allows the hydrocarbons, which are stored in rock, to flow more freely and exit through the well. The role of the “proppant” usually sand, is to keep open the cracks. As a result, companies can extract more gas and oil. Hydrofracking is generally used on rocks that wouldn’t be profitable enough if drilled through ordinary processes.
Pros and advantages of Fracking:
There are several benefits of fracking. They are explained below.
- This technology allows firms to extract hydrocarbons more easily from rocks that are difficult to reach by ordinary methods.
- In the USA, Hydrofracking caused the reduction of gas prices by boosting domestic oil production significantly. Moreover, It has offered 100 years of gas security for the USA and Canada with an outstanding opportunity to produce electricity at half the carbon emission of coal, estimation says.
- Fracking is helping to create jobs and increasing wages in America. Average income increased by 10% to 20% in areas where gas and oil are extracted through fracking.
- Since fracked gas burns more cleanly than coal and oil, less carbon is emitted into the air. The USA is leading the world by reducing carbon pollution. And it was possible only because they replaced coal with gas.
- As it is a very cost-efficient process than the usual method, it helps to reduce the energy prices all over the year. That means saving money for the American people. Before this, people had to pay more for energy, and the USA had a plan to import natural gas, which would cost more. However, Millions of jobs were also created due to the use of this technology. (click here to read article about NASA,s new moon rover)
Cons and Controversies:
Everything in the world has its good and bad sides. Similarly, Hydrofracking has its own limitations. It is also a controversial political and environmental issue.
- First of all the supporter of this technology insists that it is a good source of clean energy with low production cost. On the other hand, critics of Fracking technology argue that it can demolish the pure drinking water sources, increase the greenhouse gases (main element for global warming), pollute the air. Some believe that earthquakes can be triggered by fracking.
- If the gas or oil wells are not built sturdy enough, they could break and leak and pollute groundwater.
- The environmental cost of transporting water for fracking is very high.
- Toxic chemicals are used in the fluid mixture, which is the most significant problem of a fracking site. Exposure to contaminated air or water can cause nose, eye, and throat irritation. Central nervous system damage, cancer, congenital disabilities, respiratory illness, or even premature death can be occurred because of the polluted gas.
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